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Hardwood vs Softwood
When it comes to choosing the best firewood, hardwood generally performs best for long, efficient burns. Put simply, hardwoods are denser than softwoods, which means they burn hotter and for longer, making them ideal for wood burners and indoor heating. Softwoods, on the other hand, catch alight more quickly and produce a fast, bright flame, which makes them a good option for kindling or quick fires.
Both have their advantages, but hardwood tends to deliver greater heat output and consistency, especially for regular home use.
At Certainly Wood, we’re here to help you choose the right firewood for maximum performance and efficiency. Here are the key differences to help guide your decision.
What Size Log Do I Need For My Woodburner?
Our standard logs are cut to 25cm (+/- 10%). After consulting with most UK stove manufacturers, we have determined that these logs will fit 99% of UK stoves. The diameter of our standard logs is 5-15cm, measured at the widest point. This specification allows smaller logs to build a good fire base and larger ones for a longer burn.
In addition to the standard 25cm logs, we also offer logs with a length of 35cm and 50cm for larger fires or stoves. The longer logs have a slightly larger diameter than the 25cm logs.
Shop Kiln Dried Logs In Small Bags
Shop Kiln Dried Logs in Crates
How should I store the logs once delivered?
Our logs arrive ready to burn and can be stored in the crate. If you’re storing them outdoors, we recommend covering the top to protect from rain while leaving the sides exposed for ventilation. Good airflow is key to maintaining their dry condition.
How Much Firewood Will I Need For A Typical Winter?
A tricky question to answer as it will depend on so many factors:
- The efficiency of your stove
- The size of your property
- How well insulated your property is.
- How often the stove is used
- What the outside temperature is
- How you use your stove – burning on full airflow all the time or on low heat.
However, this is a common question we get asked, so here’s some guidance to give you some idea. Assuming you use the most efficient fuel – kiln dried- in an average year, you will likely use 3-4 cubic metres of firewood. Remember that you will use significantly more wood if it is not dry because it provides far less heat energy – up to twice as much.
Our extra-large crates are a great bulk option for keeping stocked up over winter. Shop crates.
Seasoned vs Kiln Dried
There is a real difference between kiln dried and seasoned logs and the type you choose can affect how well your fire burns. Put simply, kiln dried logs have been dried in a kiln to a consistent low moisture level, while seasoned logs are air-dried over time. Both can be used on your stove or fireplace, but the performance can vary. That's because of the difference in moisture content. Logs with an optimum moisture content of 15%-20 % ignite more easily, burn more efficiently, and produce less smoke.
At Certainly Wood, we’ve spent years helping you get the very best from your wood-burning experience. Here are the key differences to help you choose the right logs for your needs.
What Is The Most Cost-Effective Way Of Buying Kiln Dried Logs?
The Extra-Large Crate is the most cost-effective way to buy kiln dried logs from Certainly Wood. When comparing price per cubic metre, it offers the best value for money across the range. Each crate is neatly stacked for maximum volume and efficiency, meaning you're not paying for air gaps or loose fill. Ideal for regular burners or winter stock-ups, the Extra-Large Crate ensures you get more premium-quality, Ready to Burn certified logs for less.
What Is Kiln Dried Wood?
Answer- Kiln drying is a process in which firewood is force-dried in large chambers to reduce moisture, which happens much faster than air-drying fresh cut logs.
To comply with the government’s Ready to Burn legislation, and accreditation run by Woodsure, logs must be dried down to below 20% moisture content. It is now (as of Nov 2022) against the law in England (and soon to include Scotland and Wales) to sell firewood that does not meet these standards and carry the relevant accreditation by the supplier and shown on all packaging.
It is important to note that kiln dried logs do not guarantee moisture content below 20% moisture content, but the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo should.To ensure you have properly dried logs, you can test the logs yourself using a moisture meter, splitting the log in the middle to measure the internal reading.
What Moisture Content Should My Firewood Have?
In line with the new Ready to Burn legislation, wood sold in volumes of up to 2m3 must contain less than 20% moisture content. The scheme makes it easier for people to find the cleanest fuels for burning at home. If you purchase and burn firewood above this moisture level, you will not comply with the new Air Quality Regulations 2020.
What Is The Ready To Burn Scheme, And Why Is It Important?
The "Ready to Burn" scheme is a certification program in the UK designed to ensure that firewood and solid fuels sold to consumers are dry enough to burn efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. This initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce air pollution and improve air quality, particularly from residential wood burning.
Critical Aspects of the Ready to Burn Scheme:
- Moisture Content: The primary criteria for certification is that the wood must have a moisture content of 20% or less. Dry wood burns more efficiently and cleanly, producing more heat and less smoke and particulates.
- Certification and Labeling: Suppliers who meet the standards can label their products with the "Ready to Burn" logo. This label assures consumers that the wood they purchase meets the necessary moisture content standards.
- Compliance and Enforcement: Suppliers must be certified by an approved certification body, which involves regular testing and audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the scheme's standards.

Why Compliance is Necessary:
- Legal Requirements: As of May 2021, new regulations in the UK mandate that all wood sold in volumes of up to 2 cubic meters must be certified as "Ready to Burn." You must comply with these regulations to legally sell firewood as a supplier or retailer.
- Environmental Impact: Burning wet or unseasoned wood releases more pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can contribute to poor air quality and have significant health impacts. Complying with the scheme, you help reduce these adverse environmental and health effects.
- Consumer Assurance: The "Ready to Burn" label provides assurance that the wood they buy is high quality and will burn efficiently. This means better performance in their stoves or fireplaces and contributes to lower emissions and a cleaner environment.
- Market Competitiveness: Being certified under the "Ready to Burn" scheme can enhance your market reputation and competitiveness. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices and may prefer to buy from certified suppliers.
The "Ready to Burn" scheme is a regulatory and environmental initiative to promote cleaner burning practices and improve air quality. Suppliers must comply legally, which helps reduce environmental and health impacts and provides consumers with a reliable standard for purchasing firewood.